Choosing the right replacement pipe stem

Hand cut vs. moulded stems

One of the most common questions we get asked is 'what are the benefits of a hand cut stem, and are they worth the addition cost?'. Whilst we can provide guidance, the question of 'worth' is rather more complicated, and ultimately comes down to personal values.

Without a good stem, a pipe will not smoke well. Many smokers may be surprised to know that over 50% of draw, heat, and moisture issues are the result of poor stem drilling and slot cutting. So, will the same pipe smoke better with a hand cut stem instead of a moulded one? The answer is quite simply no. A poor stem will be inferior to a well drilled and slotted one regardless of whether it is carved from rod of injection cast, and it really is as simple as that. However, that doesn't answer the question, so we thought we'd write a brief guide outlining the significant differences between the two.

Hand cut stems

Hand cut stems are cut from rods of vulcanite or acryic using files and abrasives. It is labour-intensive and time-consuming, and as a client, you can expect the stem to be flawless, in both form and materials. The series of images to the right show the various stages of creating a stem, from rod to pipe.

A hand cut stem starts life as a rod. It is taken to the lathe for drilling, cutting the tenon and reducing the diameter. Features like flared saddles, pronounced fishtails etc., are also performed on the lathe.

The rod is then slotted with a pendant drill and hand tools are used to transition the slot into the main stem bore. The rod is then taken to the belt sander where a course belt is used to rough-out the basic form, and a finer belt for refining the shape.

It is then taken to the bench where hand files are used to bring it to its final shape before the stem is sanded and buffed.

Each stem cutter has their own methods, and no one method is superior to any other, as long as it allows for consistent and repeatable results. Cutting a stem is not hard, but like most skills, it requires practice and commitment and a well-rehearsed, methodical approach to achieve the standards required. It is one thing to cut a functional stem; to cut a perfect replica can take years of practice to achieve consistently.

Moulded stems

Moulded stems are injection cast. A stem blank is selected by the repairer to match as closely as possible the original, and hand fitted and buffed. The tenon, drilling and slot are finished by hand, and addition shaping is optional.

Moulded or hand cut?

So, if a high quality moulded stem smokes as well as a hand cut, why pay for hand cut? Basically, this depends on the pipe and on the owner. If you had spent £5K on an S. Bang, you'd spend the money on a hand cut replica. But, would I spend £100 on a stem for a £20 budget pipe? I'd have to really love it. But it is not just about economics; there are other considerations, some practical, others highly personal, and the following paragraphs, we hope, will give you some insight into the circumstances that may influence your choice.

The pipe

The distinction between art and functionality is often a blurry one, and the pipe industry is no different, particularly in the high grade market. As the stummels become increasingly elaborate, so do the stems - stems have become an integral part of the pipe's design and form and, whilst a moulded stem may perform as the original, the aesthetics will be lost (imagine removing the frame from a Monet and nailing it to the back of the kitchen door instead). For these pipes, a hand cut replica is often the only option.

On the other hand, if you have a mid-range pipe that you just want to return to your regular rotation as soon as possible then, in most cases, a moulded stem will be the more appropriate choice.

The stem

Vulcanite is not all made equal. We use NYH rods, a high quality German vulcanite. It is dense, inclusion-free, highly resistant to oxidization, and has just the right degree of 'bite' to make it extremely comfortable in the mouth. If these characteristics matter to you, then we suggest considering a hand cut stem.

The 'collection'

Pipe collections are a relatively recent phenomena. 50 years ago, smokers generally didn't 'collect' pipes. There were smokers who accumulated pipes, but collections were best left to the museums. For many collectors, their collections have huge personal value, eclipsed only (perhaps) by a spouse. They are a source of great pride and affection, and the thought of re-steming a part of this collection with a moulded stem is anathema.

For others, a stem is just a stem, and it may matter not a jot whether it was cast or hand cut.

Summary

Your choice, in most cases, is dependent on your personal values and preferences. Some of us like cricket; others football, or rugby - there is no 'right' or 'wrong'. If stems matter to you, for whatever reason, then consider a hand cut. If a stem is just a stem, then go with a moulded and treat yourself to some of that expensive tobacco you struggle to justify buying.